Kia Sorento is Auto Trader’s fastest selling used car

The 2015 Kia Sorento claimed the top spot for the fastest selling used car advertised on Auto Trader.

According to Auto Trader’s Fastest Selling Index, the Korean SUV takes an average of 18 days to leave forecourts - selling more than a week faster than the current 26-day average for a used car to sell.

The research, which tracks the potential speed at which vehicles will sell based on live supply and demand in the market, shows that seven 4x4s and cross overs made it on to the national top 10 list of fastest turners this month.

Paul Philpott, president and chief executive officer at Kia UK, said: “Auto Trader’s latest data is evidence of something we’ve known for quite some time - that the Kia Sorento is a real favourite among UK buyers.

“The latest models offer owners everything they’d need and want from a car, with efficient powertrains, space for the family and their luggage, Kia’s latest connected car and driver assist technologies, and our seven-year warranty. It makes for a really compelling package.”

The speed at which SUVs are currently leaving forecourts reflects the significant levels of consumer demand in the market, Auto Trader said.

Based on searches and advert views, SUVs are the most in demand body type on Auto Trader, with levels increasing over 14% year-on-year (YoY) this month.

Hatchbacks are in second place, increasing by 11%, followed by coupes (7%), saloons (3%), estates (1%) and convertibles (0%).

Demand for multipurpose vehicles (MPVs) declined by 10%, the only body type to see levels of demand contract this month.

Auto Trader said whilst the consumer appetite for 4x4s and crossovers continue to accelerate, the level of supply into the market is more conservative, albeit a robust 7% YoY.

This slight imbalance of supply and demand has also helped drive used prices up significantly, it said.

On the week commencing August 16, the average price of a used SUV was £22,859, marking YoY increase of 16%; ahead of the current total market average of 15.2%.

Karolina Edwards-Smajda, director of commercial products at Auto Trader, said: “The Sorento has been a staple of our fastest selling used car lists over the last few years, and it’s not a surprise; it offers great styling and family practicality, and of course Kia’s industry leading seven-year warranty. 

“Despite the growth in consumer and economic confidence over recent months, car buyers are still attracted by great value and peace of mind, and the fact the Sorento exceeded the current national average by over a week, really highlights just how popular it is amongst car buyers.

“With such huge levels of consumer demand for second-hand cars, accelerated by the supply challenges in the new car market, used cars are selling faster than normal and prices are climbing dramatically.

“To make the most of this opportunity, it is critical that retailers complement their own expertise and experience with data to ensure they’re stocking the right cars for their forecourt, as well as pricing according to the rapidly changing market to maximise the potential profit for every vehicle.”

Auto Trader's fastest selling used cars (by days to turn) – as of August 25, 2021